Last Updated: December 30, 2024
Our Privacy Commitment
GuidonHub is built on a "Zero-PHI" (Protected Health Information) architecture. We do not collect, store, or sell your personal information. No account is required. Your privacy is protected by design, not just by policy.
1. Introduction
Coherence Systems LLC ("we," "us," or "our") operates GuidonHub, a free resource navigation platform for Veterans. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding information when you use our Service.
We are committed to protecting Veteran privacy. Many Veterans have valid concerns about data collection, particularly those with other-than-honorable discharges or those who distrust institutional data gathering. GuidonHub is architected specifically to address these concerns.
2. Information We Do NOT Collect
GuidonHub does not collect:
- Names, addresses, or contact information
- Social Security numbers or VA file numbers
- Military service records or DD-214 information
- Medical or health information
- Financial information
- Account credentials (no accounts required)
- Precise location data
3. Information We May Collect
To improve the Service, we may collect limited anonymous, aggregated data:
| Data Type | Purpose | Identifiable? |
|---|---|---|
| General geographic region (state/county level) | Identify underserved areas | No |
| Search categories used | Understand resource needs | No |
| Device type (mobile/desktop) | Optimize user experience | No |
| Error logs | Fix technical issues | No |
This data is aggregated and cannot be used to identify individual users. For example, we may know that "247 searches for housing assistance occurred in Washington County this month" but we do not know who conducted those searches.
4. Local Storage
GuidonHub may use your device's local storage to save preferences (such as saved resources or display settings). This data:
- Stays on your device only
- Is never transmitted to our servers
- Can be cleared by you at any time through your browser settings
5. Anonymous Authentication
If you choose to use features that require session persistence, we use anonymous authentication that creates a random identifier with no connection to your real identity. This identifier:
- Contains no personal information
- Cannot be traced back to you
- Is used only to maintain your session preferences
6. Third-Party Services
GuidonHub uses the following third-party services:
- Firebase (Google): For hosting and anonymous authentication. See Firebase Privacy Policy.
- VA Lighthouse API: To retrieve VA facility information. This is a public API; no Veteran data is shared with the VA through our use of it.
When you click links to external resources (VA websites, nonprofit organizations, etc.), those sites have their own privacy policies.
7. Data Security
We protect our systems using:
- HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
- Google Cloud Platform security infrastructure
- Regular security reviews
- Principle of least privilege for system access
However, the strongest security is not collecting sensitive data in the first place—which is our approach.
8. Children's Privacy
GuidonHub is intended for adult Veterans and their families. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
9. Data Retention
Because we do not collect personal information, there is no personal data to retain or delete. Aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely to improve the Service and identify trends in Veteran resource needs.
10. Your Rights
Because we don't collect your personal information:
- There is no personal data to access, correct, or delete
- You can use the Service without providing any information
- You can clear local storage through your browser at any time
11. California Residents
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have specific rights regarding personal information. Because GuidonHub does not collect personal information, these rights are satisfied by default. We do not sell personal information.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Coherence Systems LLC
Email: privacy@coherencesystemsllc.com
Website: coherencesystemsllc.com
Why We Built It This Way
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we understand that many Veterans are wary of systems that collect their data. GuidonHub's Zero-PHI architecture isn't just a feature—it's a core design principle that reflects our commitment to serving Veterans without asking them to sacrifice their privacy.